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BIM A0. Introduction to BIM

T1 Introduction to BIM
C1 Definition and Objectives

Author: Rafael Riera López

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BIM A0. Introduction to BIM
T1 Introduction to BIM

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C1 Definition and Objectives

BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a methodology of work

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in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations

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(AECO) industry based on the use of systems that allow the

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interoperation and integration of all of the useful information in

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a project.
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It allows for effective analysis and management for the entire life cycle of a project, from the initial

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phases of design until deconstruction, in a collaborative form between all participants in the project.

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Figure 1. Analysis of the life cycle of a building using BIM systems. Image: CYPE
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© Zigurat Global Institute of Technology Commercial use is not allowed. You may not copy, distribute, display,
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perform the work and make derivative works thereof for commercial purposes. Always recognise and give the
original author prior written authorisation. (Rev.0)
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 t
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BIM A0. Introduction to BIM
T1 Introduction to BIM

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C1 Definition and Objectives

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We will start the course by explaining the

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acronym “BIM”:

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Building: The “Building” part of BIM refers to the structure or project in question over its life cycle.
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With BIM, we are able to control and manipulate the different stages of the life cycle of a project,

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including planning, construction processes, the building operation and maintenance phase,

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renovation and finally, demolition.

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Information: In the context of BIM, ‘Information’ means all of the useful information or data that is

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generated throughout a building´s life cycle. This includes information such as drawings,
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construction details, 3D renderings, technical specifications, structural analysis, facilities

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management information, energy analysis and simulation, measurements, budgets and purchasing
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information, planning, documentation and maintenance, etc.
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Modeling: When we speak of “Modeling” we mean the single, shared three-dimensional model
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generated by the BIM process. This model is developed by all participants in the process, including

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those involved in planning, topographical studies, architecture, structure, facilities management,

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budget, etc.
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BIM in a nutshell
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BIM is the process of generating and

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managing data during the life cycle of a

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building through the use of dynamic

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modeling software for building in 3D

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with real-time data.

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It helps to reduce the time and resources wasted in the design and construction stages. This process
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includes the building´s geometrical structure, spatial relationships, geographic information as well as
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the quantities and properties of the building components and materials. All of this information can
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be accessed throughout the life cycle of a building by project participants regardless of their
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proximity to the site.

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© Zigurat Global Institute of Technology Commercial use is not allowed. You may not copy, distribute, display,
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perform the work and make derivative works thereof for commercial purposes. Always recognise and give the
original author prior written authorisation. (Rev.0)
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 t
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BIM A0. Introduction to BIM
T1 Introduction to BIM

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C1 Definition and Objectives

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Figure 2. The BIM model as a communication platform.

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BIM systems allow the power to unify and link the architectural model of a building with the rest
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of the systems that make up the project. Some of these could include mechanics, electrical systems,
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plumbing, structures, topographical studies, measurements, budget, construction plans, energy

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efficiency studies, etc.

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This coordination and cooperation between the different parts that make up a project allows for the
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collaboration of those parts for the entire life cycle of the project. BIM systems allow multiple
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participants to work jointly on one unified model that is accessed on “the Cloud” or on a private
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server. This means that the different professionals involved in a project can work on that same
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project at the same time, and each one of them has all of the current information for the project,
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updated in real-time. With traditional 2D systems, any changes to a project would result in having to
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manually update numerous drawings. For example, if you were to move a column 10cm, you would
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have to access the original drawing files and move the column 10cm in any elevations, sections, floor
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plans, or any other drawings that column might appear in!

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© Zigurat Global Institute of Technology Commercial use is not allowed. You may not copy, distribute, display,
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perform the work and make derivative works thereof for commercial purposes. Always recognise and give the
original author prior written authorisation. (Rev.0)
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 t
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BIM A0. Introduction to BIM
T1 Introduction to BIM

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C1 Definition and Objectives

With BIM, you only have to update one

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model and the change is reflected in all

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of the other documents produced by

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the model.
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With this type of software, we have the opportunity to leave behind 2D systems that work

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with lines and layers, and we can begin to work with systems and constructive elements in 3D. BIM

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software can already identify a wall when we draw a wall and a door when we insert a door,

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allowing more power to define each system or constructive element with its physical characteristics,

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technical aspects, commercial information, maintenance information, etc.

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Video 1. An introduction to BIM. Autodesk

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Each building element inserted in BIM is parametric, which is to say that it can be full of information.
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This input includes design information of the project from its initial phase, including all of the
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necessary information to enable users to study and control the entire life cycle of the building
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without leaving any possible issues to chance. Without BIM, it is much more difficult to study and
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assess project phases like energy efficiency studies, environmental feasibility, use and maintenance,
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etc.
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DESIGNING A PROJECT WITH ALL OF THIS DATA AVAILABLE TO US WILL ENABLE US TO

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CONTROL THE ENTIRE LIFE CYCLE OF A BUILDING.

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As described by the uBIM Guide written by buildingSMART:

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“Property and construction modeling support full life cycle design and construction that are high
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quality, efficient, safe and in accordance with sustainable development. Building Information
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Modeling (BIM) is used throughout the life cycle of the building, starting with the initial design,
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© Zigurat Global Institute of Technology Commercial use is not allowed. You may not copy, distribute, display,
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perform the work and make derivative works thereof for commercial purposes. Always recognise and give the
original author prior written authorisation. (Rev.0)
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 t
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BIM A0. Introduction to BIM
T1 Introduction to BIM

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C1 Definition and Objectives

continuing through construction and beyond to the use of the building and facilities management

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(FM) once the project is complete.”

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Moving forward, we´ll take a look at a video from GRAPHISOFT (the company behind ArchiCAD) that

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explains, visually, what BIM is:

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Video 2. Watch this video about what BIM is. ArchiCAD (GRAPHISOFT)

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BIM objectives
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The main objectives of BIM are:

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To offer support for investment decisions by comparing functionality, scope and project
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costs.

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 To offer environmental criteria, allowing comparative analysis of energy and environmental

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requirements, which will allow the user to select appropriate design solutions and set
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objectives for the monitoring of the operations of the building and its services to users.
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 To display and share design and viability studies of construction.

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 To offer improved quality assurance and data exchange to make the design process more
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effective and efficient.

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 To make effective use of the data of the building during construction, operations and
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maintenance.
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In order to create a successful model, project priorities and objectives must be set for the use of the
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model. There are currently various guidelines and rule books that exist (discussed in a future lesson
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of this course), varying by region or governmental mandate, and you should always work in
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accordance with local legislation.

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© Zigurat Global Institute of Technology Commercial use is not allowed. You may not copy, distribute, display,
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perform the work and make derivative works thereof for commercial purposes. Always recognise and give the
original author prior written authorisation. (Rev.0)
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